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Big Ten Power Rankings Heading Into Week 4

By Oliver Vandervoort

Sep 17, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) runs the ball past Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (31) in the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) runs the ball past Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (31) in the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 10, 2016; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Leon Thornton III (21) is sacked by Ball State Cardinals defensive end Anthony Winbush (98) during the second half of the game at Memorial Stadium. The Indiana Hoosiers defeated the Ball State Cardinals 30 to 20. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Leon Thornton III (21) is sacked by Ball State Cardinals defensive end Anthony Winbush (98) during the second half of the game at Memorial Stadium. The Indiana Hoosiers defeated the Ball State Cardinals 30 to 20. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Indiana (2-0, 0-0)

The Indiana Hoosiers get this ranking in part because they are the team that seems to be on the upswing when being compared to a team like Maryland. At the same time, Indiana hasn’t looked all that impressive in its two games against lesser opponents.

Despite being 2-0, they haven’t really manhandled any opponents, which is why they’re still finishing behind a team with a number in the loss column. Indiana also gets to be this high in the Big Ten power rankings because the school might actually have a defense this year.

The Hoosiers opened the season with a 34-13 victory over Florida International and followed that up with a 30-20 win over Ball State. Neither of those teams are offensive juggernauts, but the Hoosiers defense was so bad a year ago, holding two straight teams under three touchdowns counts as an accomplishment.

On the flip side, the Hoosiers’ offense which was quite explosive a year ago, hasn’t really got on track yet. The team has been efficient, with a passing game that has four touchdowns and no interceptions. Running back Devine Redding is one of the top yardage gainers in the Big Ten with 245 yards but the Hoosiers have just one rushing touchdown on the year.

Indiana takes on Wake Forest next week before opening Big Ten play against Michigan State.

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